Gaumukh Temple

A small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva some hundred metres from the Gangotir glacier mouth, Gaumukh. This picture was taken just before the pilgrim season starts in May, but from June to September thousands will peregrinate here to worship and bathe. The pilgrimage is so popular that the forest department have limited the amount of people visiting Gaumukh to 200 per day. From 2010 everyone requires a special permit to combat litter and accidents. It is said that a dip in the bone chilling water running out from the glacier purifies the soul, cure illness, removes all fatigue and rebalances Karma.